New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) A recent report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates that the overall conviction rate for crimes under the Indian Penal Code in 2023 is 54 percent, alongside a charge sheeting rate of 72 percent. This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal.

In response to an inquiry in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, the Minister noted that the conviction rate is significantly influenced by the quality of investigation and evidence, which includes both oral testimony and the promptness of trials. He highlighted that the Government of India has implemented various measures to enhance these aspects.

He pointed out that several provisions have been introduced under the New Criminal Laws, alongside numerous technological advancements under the Interoperable Criminal Justice System and the eCourts Project.

Meghwal elaborated on the eSakshya platform, which has been designed in accordance with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, to incorporate advanced technology for the effective collection, management, and sharing of digital evidence.

The eSakshya Mobile App captures vital evidence directly at crime scenes, records statements, documents locations, and uploads findings in real-time, ensuring meticulous detail is preserved.

It quickly and securely stores investigative data in an encrypted locker, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the data, which is intended for direct access by the courts.

Moreover, the Government is advancing the e-Courts Project Phase-III with an investment of Rs 7,210 crore over four years, aiming to transition courts into digital and paperless environments by digitizing both legacy and ongoing case records. This initiative will also broaden video conferencing capabilities across all courts, jails, and selected hospitals, as well as extend online court functionalities beyond mere traffic offenses.

The project aspires to create a cutting-edge cloud-based data repository for storing digitized court records and applications while deploying emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

The Digital Courts 2.1 platform grants judges access to all case-related documents, pleadings, and evidence in a digital format, representing a monumental advancement towards a paperless court system.

Focusing on the provision of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), Meghwal stated, “A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing FTSCs, including dedicated POCSO (ePOCSO) Courts, was initiated in October 2019. These courts are focused on the timely trial and resolution of pending cases related to rape and offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.”

He mentioned that this scheme, aimed at creating 790 courts, has seen two extensions, the most recent being until March 31, 2026. According to data from the High Courts, as of March 31, 2025, 745 FTSCs, including 404 exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) Courts, were operational across 30 States/UTs, with a total disposal of 3,19,685 cases since the scheme's inception.